Monday, November 23, 2009

Vintage Black Weddings: 1958

I almost wish I'd done the posts in reverse chronological order because the 1960s gowns are AMAZING.

Love the long sleeves and diaphanous scoop neckline!

Yes, that is Sammy Davis Jr., his first wife Loray, and his younger sister Suzette. This picture is beautiful - and doesn't betray a hint of the turmoil beneath the surface. Months before this was taken, Sammy was engaged to Caucasian woman but terminated the impending nuptials due to the high volume of racial and death threats he was receiving. Loray and Sammy Davis Jr.'s marriage lasted only a year.

I'd rejoice in the knowledge that things are wholly different now and that something so reviling would never happen to day, but then there's thishorrific Louisiana story... from last month!

Though the day was ill-fated, Loray's collar and headdress are stunning.

Deep, scalloped necklines seemed to have been popular in 1958. This scoop-necked incarnation with sheer, embroidered sleeves is gorgeous.

The model photographed above isn't a bride, but the dress she's wearing is amazing! I just couldn't leave this out. The scalloped neckline makes another appearance.

Great looking couple! Another showing from the scalloped neckline. This time in a square neck.

St. Alselm in Chicago? I went there for kindergarten!

Son of a socialite's nuptials documented in society section of national publication; this is still happening, right? Except now, the children of socialites generally aren't teachers!

These two look great together. I actually like the layered texture of the groom's get up more than the bride's this time around.

Another scalloped neckline! Off the shoulder and demi-sweetheart.

Up next: Vintage Black cast movie posters from the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, more vintage Pepsi ads, and stills/clips from Sparkle and Why Do Fools Fall in Love?.

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About b.vikki vintage:

This blog features vintage advertising campaigns and fashion editorials from Black/African-American publications, video clips and found photographs featuring people of color from the 1950s-1960s, as well as product descriptions and pictures of vintage pieces I have for sale at my etsy.com shop.

Among the items available for purchase will be dresses, skirts, cardigans, shoes, bags, jewelry, and occasionally hats from the 1950s-1960s or fashioned in the style of that era.

I've loved vintage fashion for some time (and traditional jazz and pop standards, old movies, Doris Day, et al), and did lots of research before deciding to open a vintage etsy shop and start this blog, because I wanted to do it right. Something I noticed during my research, something that helped me to cement my decision, was the lack of women of color in the online vintage community.

So, not only will I be selling vintage clothing, but the pictures I post here, of beautiful women of color from the 1950s and 1960s, will give some idea of what we truly wore then.

My great grandmother, Essie O'Neal, and her brother, Norris Reed, Sr in the late 1940s.